But, it wasn't what I was expecting. I wasn't so much expecting top of 24 for the one below, but at least more views than the shot above. The shot above is nice, but it really isn't thought out as much as the 2 below.

Is anyone else seeing this trend lately? Or is it hard to say what hits and what misses on the site anymore for popularity?

Again, I'm flattered it made top of 24 and all the views that everyone has put into it, I appreciate it greatly, just wasn't what I was expecting. Especially since we're pressed to strive for better shots and stray away from the average wedgie anymore for the site. Which is great, better photographs, although I do tend to stray away and shoot the occasional wedgie or 2...or 3.....or 10, lol. Opinions or thoughts for the discussion?

The railfan and the photographer. The railfan prefers the less thought out and rather easy to accomplish scene, while the photographer prefers the more unique composition with a more thought out scene.

Now, I am not certain which RP attracts more, I think that would be pretty hard to determine.

Ben - that Gallitzin shot is outstanding. You took great advantage of the filtered sun, and perfectly exposed every part of that shot to my taste. The muted color is very 'summer sunrise' to me, but different opinions are what makes photography great!

As far as view counts, and even screener's choice selections, it's a crapshoot... it's frustrating at times to see a shot of your own that you don't think is anything special far outdo a seemingly superior one, but the way I see it, there's no other place where any of these shots would anywhere near as many views, so at least there's that! And I've been very impressed with just about every single PCA winner lately, so I'd say that is going in a more 'artsy' direction, and it's nice to have that little part of the site recognizing that style of photo.